Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Just want to say thanks for the reply a while back. I live in new jersey. can I put the coccoons in a container and then outside until spring? Will it be to cold? I read abot the veggie crisper. Thanks Matt

Hi Matt,

If left outside it would need to be in an open container so that water drains through and it doesn't drown, but also protected so that the pupa does not become a snack for a hungry field mouse! Mice, voles, squirrels etc. Btw, CAN & WILL eat thru plastic. All my birdseed is in a metal garbage can b/c mice or red squirrels ate thru a hard plastic 1/8" thick lid!

I winter many of my silk moths in wire mesh cages outside. Buy some 1/4" (not 1/2" - too big) hardware cloth and bend it to make a small box, place the pupa inside, fold over or attach a "lid" of same mesh. You can then put it outdoors where it will be exposed to all the elements. Do not keep it in full sun.

Ideally, you would bury it (cage and all) in the ground. This way it would be exposed to the darkness, soil moisture, etc. which is closer to how it winters over in nature. Just remember where you put it and then dig it up in May and it will probably emerge soon after. You are south of me and ours begin to eclose June/July.

If you want to see a photo of a box email me and I'll send you one. Too lazy to upload here! lol!

lele
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